The hottest Military Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Ukraine's offensive: is it failing?

Comment is Freed • 143 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The Russo-Ukraine War has reached its eighteen-month mark with neither side having a clear path to victory.
  2. There are critiques about Ukraine's offensive strategy and suggestions for a potential shift in approach.
  3. The political and military processes in Ukraine and Russia are complex, and the outcome of the war remains uncertain.

‘I WOULD HAVE DROPPED THREE NUCLEAR BOMBS’

Seymour Hersh • 43 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The history of genocide influences current Israeli actions, leading to justification for extreme measures. Many Israeli leaders do not question this past influence.
  2. Some Israelis are unhappy with their government's actions, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, and believe he should face consequences for his corruption.
  3. The ongoing conflict impacts families directly, with many having served in the military and living under constant tension.

Updated! Here's Why, We Are Not On The Precipice Of WWIII.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The U.S. has been slowly increasing its military involvement in Ukraine, which some see as a form of 'mission creep'. This has led to fears of escalating tensions with Russia.
  2. Russia has developed advanced weapons that could change the balance of power, making it hard for the U.S. to respond effectively in a conflict. This might deter any first-strike nuclear action from both sides.
  3. Politicians in the U.S. often exaggerate the threat of nuclear war for political gain, but many believe that actual war is unlikely due to the principle of mutually assured destruction.

BIBI UNBOWED

Seymour Hersh • 36 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Netanyahu remains popular among the extreme religious right in Israel despite facing corruption charges. His political support appears strong even after significant military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
  2. Israel has seen increased military and financial backing from the U.S., which helps bolster Netanyahu's government amid a struggling economy.
  3. Netanyahu's family life seems complicated, with his sons living comfortably abroad while many peers serve in the military during ongoing conflicts.

The Superhero Theory of Defense

Investing 101 • 32 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Strong powers attract challenges, leading to conflicts. This idea is similar to how superheroes create villains by existing.
  2. Not all conflicts are caused by mistakes. Some threats may exist regardless of actions taken, and understanding these threats is vital.
  3. Infrastructure like diplomacy can handle some conflicts, but current global tensions may require a stronger response or action to protect values and interests.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

I've Got Hazel On My Mind.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The U.S. is struggling to maintain its global power and influence, especially after recent military moves in Syria. Many believe these actions are more of a bluff than a real strategy.
  2. Syria's leadership is seen as having outsmarted the U.S. and avoided additional bloodshed by strategically retreating from conflict with their military. This retreat highlights the complicated dynamics between the U.S., Russia, and Iran.
  3. With U.S. military recruitment dropping and challenges in fighting through allies, there is concern that America's military strength is weakening and it might lose its standing in international relations.

Shen Weiguang – Father of China’s Information Warfare Theory, Who Could not Type

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
💾 History Military Strategy
  1. The concept of information warfare was introduced in China in the mid-1980s by Shen Weiguang, a self-taught military strategist who became known as the father of China's information warfare theory despite facing initial skepticism from publishers and having no military rank or affiliation.
  2. Shen Weiguang's interest in information warfare was sparked during his time at the frontline of the Battle of Laoshan, where he envisioned a more civilized form of warfare in the information age, leading him to publish his Information Warfare book in 1990.
  3. In 1998, Shen Weiguang made a global debut at the Ars Electronica Festival, showcasing his expertise in information warfare despite admitting he couldn't type or use computers, highlighting the core purpose of information warfare as subduing the enemy without direct conflict, drawing wisdom from ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu.

National Security Space Launch: ULA and Trust Issues

Ill-Defined Space • 28 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. SpaceX has secured all recent Department of Defense launch contracts, leaving ULA with no awards this time. This is surprising since ULA typically wins a good portion of these types of contracts.
  2. The DoD seems to have lost trust in ULA's ability to deliver launches reliably. ULA's delays and problems with their Vulcan rocket have contributed to this change in perception.
  3. Despite the DoD's efforts to promote competition in the launch market, they currently rely heavily on SpaceX for national security launches. This poses a risk as it creates dependency on a single provider.

BIDEN'S BIBI PROBLEM

Seymour Hersh • 54 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. President Joe Biden may face challenges winning re-election unless he retracts initial support for Israel and stands up to Netanyahu to push for a ceasefire and substantive peace talks.
  2. Lessons from Eugene McCarthy's anti-war stance can be applied to current political situations, emphasizing the importance of clear purpose and moral leadership in times of conflict.
  3. Potential peace terms for resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict include surrender of Hamas leaders, disarmament, release of hostages, humanitarian relief, and self-government for Gaza.

Still Bakhmut

Comment is Freed • 107 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The results of Russia's war efforts have fallen short of expectations and the costs have been immense.
  2. The Putin-Xi summit demonstrated Russia's growing dependence on China and weakened position on the global stage.
  3. The battle for Bakhmut is crucial in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both sides facing challenges and uncertain outcomes.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Flaming Olive Branch

Big Serge Thought • 8 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Negotiations in the Russo-Ukrainian War seem unproductive, like a show rather than real peace talks. Each side has different goals that don't match up, which makes agreeing on anything very hard.
  2. Russia's strategy focuses on slowly wearing down Ukraine through continuous military advances, while Ukraine's responses are more about gaining support from Western allies. They don't really agree on what negotiations should achieve.
  3. Recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian assets show innovation, but they may not change the overall outcome of the war. The core issues of military strength and sustainability remain unresolved, meaning the fighting will continue.

The Missile Will Always Get Through.

Trying to Understand the World • 15 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Russia has developed advanced missile technology that can accurately strike targets far away. This puts them in a strong position since these missiles are hard to intercept.
  2. The West's reliance on manned aircraft for attacks is outdated compared to Russia's focus on missile capabilities. This means Russia can hit important infrastructure while the West struggles to defend against these attacks.
  3. Western leaders may not fully grasp the threat posed by Russia's missile advancements. There is a risk that they will ignore the reality of their vulnerability and not prepare adequately for potential conflicts.

After "Victory."

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Victory in war isn't just about defeating the enemy; it's also about what happens afterward. It's complicated, and the true outcomes can vary in unexpected ways.
  2. Successful military strategies need clear political goals and plans that can realistically achieve them. Without these, objectives can become confusing and unattainable.
  3. The aftermath of conflicts often brings new challenges and fears. Even a 'winning' side can face uncertainties that stem from their actions during and after the war.

A Strange Defeat.

Trying to Understand the World • 15 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Western leaders are struggling to understand the real situation in Ukraine. They often rely on outdated ideas and don't recognize the complexities of the conflict.
  2. There's a lack of clear strategy from NATO and Western nations regarding how to manage the crisis. Instead of planning, they seem to be reacting to events without a solid goal.
  3. The current generation of political leaders lacks the experience and skills needed for high-stakes crises. This has led to confusion and ineffective decision-making in dealing with the war in Ukraine.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 06.07.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. In 2016, the U.S. had advisers in key Ukrainian departments, highlighting America's deep involvement in Ukraine's political landscape before the 2022 war.
  2. Iran successfully targeted Israeli military bases during a recent conflict, showing an escalation in military capabilities and regional tensions.
  3. BlackRock has halted its investment plans in Ukraine due to lack of interest, signaling a significant shift in international financial support for the country's recovery.

“Freedom of Navigation” Claimed by U.S. is NOT “Freedom of Navigation” under International Law

Pekingnology • 52 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The "Freedom of Navigation" claimed by the United States is different from the concept in international law.
  2. There are limitations to the right of navigation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and general international law.
  3. The U.S. uses its "Freedom of Navigation Operations" as a unilateral tool to advance its global strategy, rather than to maintain international maritime order.

Stone, Scissors, Paper.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Western political leaders lack knowledge about military strategy and security, which makes it hard for them to respond effectively to current conflicts. They need to understand past lessons from wars and develop a clearer strategy moving forward.
  2. Technological advancements in warfare, like drones and tanks, should be understood in context rather than treated as standalone solutions. Their effectiveness depends on various factors, including the enemy's capabilities and the specific goals of a conflict.
  3. The war in Ukraine is changing the dynamics of European security. European nations need to reconsider their approaches to defense and their relationship with Russia, moving beyond outdated policies and focusing on collective interests and independence.

Desperation Time in Ukraine

John’s Substack • 12 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The situation in Ukraine is very serious and there is a sense of urgency. Many people are feeling desperate as the conflict continues.
  2. The Biden Administration's actions in Ukraine are being closely examined. There are concerns about how these decisions may affect the future of the country.
  3. Conversations around the conflict reveal a lot of different opinions and predictions. It's important to stay informed and understand the different perspectives involved.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 24.06.2025

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The EU feels lost about its place in the world as it transitions to a multipolar environment, needing to redefine its role and establish independent partnerships, especially with countries like China.
  2. The U.S. is engaging in conflicts like the one with Iran primarily to maintain control over global resources and prevent other nations from gaining independence from American influence.
  3. Recent military actions in the Middle East show a move towards outright aggression, undermining international law and prompting fears of an increased arms race and retaliatory actions from affected nations.

Russia Makes One Of Those Checkmate In One, Moves And Pulls Netanyahu's Teeth From His head.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Russia's navy is now in Iranian ports, which could shift power dynamics between the US, Israel, and Iran. This move shows Russia's growing influence in the region.
  2. There's a shift towards a multi-polar world where countries are moving away from being controlled by US financial power. This means other countries are taking more control over trade and diplomacy.
  3. Many American business leaders want a break from constant wars and military influence. There's a belief that the public will soon push back against the political and corporate systems controlling elections.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 22.06.2025

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Norge's Langskip project for capturing and storing CO2 is facing challenges and needs significant government subsidies to be viable. There are concerns that without ongoing funding, it may not succeed.
  2. Research suggests that the rise in global deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic is linked more to government policies than the virus itself. These measures, like lockdowns and medical mandates, are blamed for increased mortality rates.
  3. Tensions in the Middle East are escalating, particularly with the U.S. support for Israel in its military actions against Iran. This conflict is framed as a strategy for managing global dominance, especially concerning competition with China.

The Year of Failing To Understand.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. In 2024, the West struggled to understand global events, often failing to grasp the real reasons behind them. This gap in understanding is seen as a mix of ignorance and arrogance.
  2. There are deeper issues at play in conflicts, such as the role of religion and the nature of violence in different societies. These aspects often go unnoticed in western perspectives, leading to misinterpretations of motivations.
  3. As global dynamics shift, the West's old ways of thinking are becoming less effective. The next year could bring important changes that the West will need to face, potentially leading to new opportunities and understandings.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 03.03.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Rødt, a political party, has decided to support a significant increase in military spending. They want to strengthen national defense even though this ties them to NATO.
  2. A recent meeting in London highlighted the challenges European leaders face in supporting Ukraine. There was talk of military aid, but many leaders are worried about over-relying on the U.S. for support.
  3. UK Prime Minister Starmer expressed a willingness to send troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, but this idea has faced rejection from Russia and raises concerns about escalating tensions.

Ukraine: Hedging Bets to Retain Space Superiority

Ill-Defined Space • 9 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukraine needs to plan for the chance that it might lose support from U.S. space assets in the future. This means finding other ways to get the information and services they need.
  2. There are other global options for space services that Ukraine can choose from, including satellites from Europe, China, and India. Diversifying their partners can help reduce reliance on the U.S.
  3. Trusting U.S. support might not be enough for Ukraine. They should explore backup systems and train their military to use alternatives in case U.S. support diminishes.

The Sword Is Mightier...

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Military action should always have a clear purpose, focusing on the political goals you want to achieve. This prevents the mistakes of sending forces just to 'show determination' without a real plan.
  2. Creating lasting peace requires knowing what the end situation should look like. If no one agrees on the goals, it's hard to move forward and find solutions that work for everyone involved.
  3. Using military forces to solve political issues often fails. A successful resolution needs to be driven by political agreement, not just military presence, to avoid further conflict.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 21.11.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. China's recent bond sales in dollars have attracted a huge amount of interest, indicating strong market demand. This move could signal a more competitive stance against the U.S. in the global dollar market.
  2. A majority of Ukrainians now favor peace talks with Russia to end the ongoing conflict, highlighting a shift in public opinion. Many believe that negotiations could lead to a more stable resolution, despite ongoing military actions.
  3. Recent leaks revealed a secret British military plan aimed at prolonging the conflict in Ukraine. This includes various strategies to keep Ukraine engaged in fighting, showing a heavy commitment to support Ukraine despite the challenges.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Deluge

Big Serge Thought • 12 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The Russo-Ukrainian War has shifted to an attritional-positional nature, with industrial war becoming prevalent over rapid maneuvers.
  2. The Russian capture of strategic locations like Avdiivka demonstrates effective tactics and material support, challenging misconceptions of military losses.
  3. Ukraine faces challenges in artillery shell shortages and drone capabilities, while Russia demonstrates a significant advantage in force generation and resource availability.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 12.11.2024

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Israel's new foreign minister believes that Kurds and other regional minorities are natural allies for Israel. He argues that they should strengthen ties with these groups to counter threats from Iran and Turkey.
  2. In Norway, there is a call for transparency regarding vaccine-related deaths, specifically asking for data to investigate a reported increase in mortality rates among young people after the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
  3. The BRICS summit highlights a shift in global power away from US hegemony, indicating that many countries are ready to stand against American dominance and seek a multipolar world where different nations share influence.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 20.12.2024

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Diplomats from the US are visiting Syria to engage with rebel groups that were previously labeled as terrorists. This marks a significant shift in how Western nations are approaching these groups.
  2. The economic situation in Norway is debated, with some people feeling that the government is out of touch with reality. Rising prices and living costs are major concerns for many families.
  3. In Ukraine, President Zelensky admits that the country lacks the strength to reclaim areas occupied by Russia, signaling a shift in the narrative of the ongoing conflict.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 16.12.2024

steigan.no • 3 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The Munich analogy, often used in political discussions, oversimplifies complex current events by comparing them to past conflicts, which may not be relevant today.
  2. In the Ukraine war, military actions appear inevitable as both sides perceive each other as existential threats, raising concerns about the potential for wider conflict.
  3. Recent studies predict a more severe pandemic than COVID-19, emphasizing the risks of using fear to impose compliance with stringent measures in the future.

Musings about International Politics from an Ill Person

Theory Matters • 1 implied HN point • 24 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Nuclear weapons are often seen as a protection, but their real power is in the fear they create. Countries use the threat of these weapons to gain advantages without ever having to use them.
  2. Just because a country like North Korea has nuclear weapons doesn't mean Iran is automatically pursuing the same path. There are different reasons why these nations behave the way they do.
  3. Violence against countries like Iran may seem effective, but it often leads to more instability and can make the situation worse rather than better. It's better to live with the current balance rather than trying to force regime change with military action.

Mechanized Stalinism

Big Serge Thought • 4 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
💾 History Military Strategy
  1. War progress is not accurately reflected by territorial control.
  2. Sequential operations in warfare are essential to keep the enemy off balance.
  3. Effective defensive actions can delay defeat but lack an offensive component for victory.

Death Tango: The Race to the Dnieper

Big Serge Thought • 3 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
💾 History Military Strategy
  1. The Red Army's use of sequential operations was a smashing success, shattering the German front and pushing deep into enemy territory.
  2. Despite initial setbacks, German Field Marshal Manstein was tasked with saving Army Group South and had to strategically maneuver his forces to prevent further collapse.
  3. The Anglo-American Joint Intelligence's warning about the potential collapse of German forces in Russia highlighted the critical situation facing the Wehrmacht at the hands of the Red Army.

Will hegemonic war end the American crisis?

America in Crisis • 0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The analysis suggests a potential Civil War II may loom if significant moves don't happen by 2040 to prevent the political defeat of the 'Red' faction.
  2. Large-scale war, like a conflict with China, could challenge the current neoliberal order and require a shift in economic priorities, potentially leading to the end of inflation control via financial flows.
  3. The interplay between hegemonic powers and the potential for a global war phase could force American elites to choose between pursuing hegemony or maintaining the neoliberal order, with significant implications for the future.

Strategic depth

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Strategic depth is about having enough space and time to protect important things, like a country or our personal values. This helps us withstand attacks from outside forces.
  2. Companies with high profit margins can survive tough times longer. It's important to know how much risk we can handle daily, similar to the Kelly Criterion in betting.
  3. Strategic intensity means being very observant and smart in decision-making. It's about reading situations well and knowing when to take risks or simplify things in a game.

YourINT SITREP (03 OCT 2024)

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. China is preparing for conflict, and this raises concerns about the readiness of the U.S. defense system.
  2. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East are escalating, especially involving Israel and Iran.
  3. Russia's influence is increasing in various regions, including their partnership with North Korea and meddling in Moldova's politics.